The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.4.3

3.4.3

Mian Hasan replied to his relatives, "I know it is not right to grieve Farid; but what can I do? for Sulaimán and his mother have driven me into a strait, nor do they give me a moment's rest. * * * I am an old man, the time of my death is near at hand. I cannot break my promise. I give the management of the parganas to Sulaiman and Ahmad during my life. If they govern well, so that the parganas prosper, the people are happy and the soldiery content, well and good; for then during my lifetime they will acquire a good name. For thus Farid has gained a name among men, and has gladdened my heart. Wheresoever he may go, he will be able to gain his own livelihood. But if they prove unfit, they will (at any rate) be for some time during my life laying up worldly goods. Of this I am certain, that after my death the government of the parganas will be conferred on Farid, who is deserving of it." * * * When his kinsmen heard this reply of Míán Hasan, they said, "You send Farid away from you to please a slave-girl! It is wrong in these times to stir up strife for a slave-girl's sake. For from the proceedings of the Lohánís in Bihar, it appears that they will shortly throw off the king's yoke, and declare their independence. It has been said, 'it is wrong to place confidence in women,' " etc. * * * But in spite of what his relatives said, Mian Hasan, who was a captive in the bonds of his love for the slave-girl, did not assent to their representation.